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The Red Tent

 Anita Diamant
 

Study Questions & Essay Topics

 

Study Questions

 
1. Over the course of her life, Dinah has many different “mothers.” Discuss the differences or similarities in her relationships with each woman.
 
 
2. Dinah's point of view is often that of an observer. What effect does this have on the reader? On the narrative?
 
 
3. Discuss the marital dynamics of Jacob's family. He has four wives; compare his relationship with each woman.
 
 
 

Suggested Essay Topics

 
1. Childbirth and childbearing are paramount in The Red Tent. Discuss the importance of childbearing in the female characters' lives.
 
2. The novel follows Dinah from childhood to old age. How does she change and mature, and what lessons does she learn from life?
 
3. Female relationships are prevalent in The Red Tent. Discuss the importance of Inna, Werenro, and Meryt.
 
4. There is no historical account of whether Dinah ever had children. Diamant gives her a son. Why do you think she chose not to give Dinah a daughter?
 
5. While the red tent has been a custom of various peoples in the world, it was not used by Dinah's people in her time. Why does Diamant make it a prominent feature of her account of Dinah's life?
 
 
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